The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.